Manuel Lanzini Reveals His Intentions Over West Ham Future

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Manuel Lanzini of West Ham celebrates scoring the first goal for West Ham during the Pre-Season Friendly match between West Ham United and Athletic Bilbao at the Olympic Stadium on August 03, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini has admitted how he feels about his ongoing contract talks at the London Stadium.

Manuel Lanzini Hopes For West Ham Future

Ongoing Contract Discussions

Lanzini’s immediate future is still under negotiation. Earlier this week Sky Sports News claimed that the Hammers hope to tie the Argentine to a new long-term deal.

The midfielder has just twelve months left on his current contract; West Ham hold the option to extend his deal by an additional 24 months though.

The Hammers are keen to retain Lanzini beyond 2022 and the 26-year-old has a matching ambition.

When asked about his future at the London Stadium, Lanzini told Sky Sports News: “Yes, we are talking with the club about staying and, of course, I want to stay.

“It is like my home. It is my fifth season now, I love the fans, the fans love me and the club is amazing.”

Bounce Back From Injury

Lanzini suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury last summer which left him sidelined for eight months and ruled him out of the 2018 World Cup.

He returned from the sidelines last February in a 3-1 victory over Fulham; however, he was unable to return to his very best form before the end of last season as he built upon his fitness.

Lanzini has, however, seemingly returned to his form before the injury and was a key figure in West Ham’s 1-1 draw at Brighton.

“When I was injured, it was really hard, it was a bad time. It was before the World Cup, it was going to be my first World Cup and I wanted to play,” Lanzini said.

“It was difficult, but I want to say thank you to my family, my girlfriend, my son and all the people that stayed with me.

“It’s difficult because you can’t help the team. You see the team may have lost, drawn or play badly and you just want to help.

“I spoke everyday with Manuel [Pellegrini] and he understands me and I understand him. I did a really good recovery and since I started to play again, I believe I have done really well.”